And the dullest tournament in recent memory award goes to...
Going into the final, Uruguay were undoubtably favourites, but Paraguay boring their way to a penalty shoot-out win was looking all too inevitable based on the rest of the tournament. Thankfully, the game was entertaining and Uruguay deservedly won their 15th Copa America.
Both teams had upset the odds to come this far, so it was a pleasant clash to decide who got the bronze medals. Although this time the underdogs wouldn't come out on top.
Once again, Paraguay get a repeat of their group stages. First time out against Brazil, they had had the better of the game; in the quarter final, they had lucked out to get through on penalties. First time out against Venezuela, they had been frustrated by their opponents, getting ahead through set-pieces then conceding late…
Having dispensed with hosts Argentina, Uruguay went into their semi-final against Peru having to switch up their style. Previously, they had defended resolutely to contain Argentina, but here, as favourites, it was Oscar Tabarez's side who would have to attacking control. Which they did, albeit with some help from the Peruvians.
Venezuela woke up in the semi-finals of the Copa America for the first time in their history this morning after a frantic second half in San Juan saw them conquer the fancied Chileans of Claudio Borghi.
Eight days before, Paraguay had outplayed Brazil only for a late goal from Fred to rescue the Selecao a point. However, only one side could get out of this quarter final with anything, and that team was Paraguay.
Hosts Argentina crash out of the 43rd Copa America on penalties despite having a man advantage for 50 minutes.
Almost ten years to the day after Colombia defeated Peru 3 - 0 at the same stage in 2001, Peru have successfully navigated a quarter final in the Copa America after being defeated at the same round in the four previous tournaments.
The last match of what has generally been a rather poor group stage rounds off what had actually been a great evening of football, hopefully boding well for the rest of the Copa America.
